Jamie's Corner: May I Get a Cup of Coffee?

In the movies, I am not the elegant lady that walks down the stairs and charms her guests with grace and beauty. I am the one that trips on her gown, spills wine on her new dress and tries to carry on a conversation with spinach stuck in between her teeth. Years ago, it used to affect my sense of self and make my depression worse. But I no longer see it that way. A writer once told me anything that does not go smoothly in life makes for a good story. I agree. And I have lots of stories.

View the full archive of Jamie's Corner here.

My story this week: Jamie and May I Get a Cup of Coffee?

Many years ago, a new coffee shop opened up in my city. Curious one day, I drove down to this new franchise. I walked in the door. The place was packed. Every chair and table occupied. What a fun atmosphere! I was curious to try this new boutique. I glanced up at the menu and became a little overwhelmed. I felt as if I had walked into a foreign country, and I didn't speak the language. And options, there were so many! I didn't know where to begin. After a few minutes, I just left and went home. I decided to use my Mr. Coffee maker instead.

A few weeks passed and I started to become frustrated. Other people could walk in, order, and leave with wonderful smelling beverages. Why couldn't I? I was a successful, intelligent woman. (Or at the very least functional). I walked in. I still didn't speak the language, but I had to try. I ordered a large coffee, although they only offered a large coffee. It's just that the large came in different sizes. Unusual. 

As time went by, I became more adventurous. I ordered a latte. 

Then, one day I had the courage to ask the bartender, I mean barista, to explain what "pumps" were and how I ordered a drink with one of them. Soon, I was ordering like the rest of the crowd. Although, truth be told, it wasn't until a bit later that I truly understood the menu and all of the items on it. But it takes time to learn a new language. And Rome wasn't built in a day! (Or so I've been told, I don't remember that far back).

Just remember, it's never too late to learn a new language or skill! "Caffe" was not my first language, but I too learned to become fluent in it.